A quick look at the Coolermaster CM690

[NickS]

If you haven't heard about this case yet, it's time to enlighten you. It's less than $100 shipped, it's a mid tower, and it has space for SEVEN 120MM fans OR FIVE 140MM fans and two 120mm's, whatever you choose.

Let's move on.

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20006.jpg

Big box, big case, makes sense :)

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20007.jpg

Slick, isnt it? The whole front is mesh (and has the appropriate filters installed to prevent dust bunnies from invading!). A part of the top where 2 120mm or 140mm fans mount is also mesh (and filtered.. sorta). You'll also see the power & reset buttons are on the side of the bezel as well as the power & hard drive activity lights. Some may hate it, but I love it, because the case sits on my desk to the left of me so it makes turning on my rig even easier :)

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20008.jpg

Theres a nice picture of the side. The case comes with a 120mm cooler master side fan. IIRC, coolermaster rates it at 21db. Theres also the same fan in the rear, and a blue LED one in the front. On the side panel fan mounts, theres screw holes for 140mm fans and 120mm fans.

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20009.jpg

USB, Audio, Firewire [B]AND ESATA up top. Nice :) Theres also the large vented portion for the top 120 or 140mm fans.

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20010.jpg

The back is pretty standard. Yet another case with the PSU at the bottom. This is becoming a popular trend [set by antec] and I like it :). You'll also notice two watercooling tubing holes already there for you. I don't think you'll be fitting 7/16" through them though.

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20011.jpg

At the bottom we have a vent for the PSU fan, and another spot for a 120/140mm fan!

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20014.jpg

The inside is pretty roomy. It has room for 5 hdd's and 5x 5.25" devices (or one 3.5" with the included adapter).

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20017.jpg

Included is a manual, 3.5" cover, adhesive cable clamp and standoffs. Where are the screws? :shrug:

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20018.jpg

Right there, on either side of the 5.25" bays! Sweet! No more lost screws :D

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20020.jpg

Backside is relatively plain. You'll notice 2 holes for running wires behind there (and theres lots of room) as well as a spot for an 80x15mm for some airflow behind the mobo.

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20023.jpg

Popping the top off was a bit of a chore but once you get the hang of it removing it is fine. Heres where you can mount two fans (and maybe a dual rad? :eek: )

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20024.jpg

Installed.

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20025.jpg

If you've ever owned a Cooler Master, you'll know the front bezel comes off easy. Just grab it from the bottom, brace yourself and give it a nice jerk. Pops right off :). Getting it back on is kind of tricky but once its on its not going anywhere.

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20026.jpg

Oh yes. Coolermaster actually installed filters behind all the vented 5.25" covers. A VERY nice touch.

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20027.jpg

Installing optical drives is easy with their tool-less system.


http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20028.jpg

Slide the blue lever to unlock, flip up, line up the holes, flip back down and lock :)

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20029.jpg

Fast forward and everythings in the case. As you can see, you have lots of room back there for cables (and yes, the side panel fit on fine :))

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20030.jpg

Main view of the computer [and my foot :rofl: ] installed :) Yeah, I was lazy, didn't use any zipties.

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20031.jpg

All set up and running, it looks great on my desk IMO. Surprisingly, it's VERY quiet and the HDD cages have made my HDD's dead silent.

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20033.jpg

Right..

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20034.jpg

Left...

http://www.nickfire.com/public/cm690/cm630%20037.jpg

Top USB in action :)

So there it is. The case, finished. My CPU temps are amazing, as to be expected when the freakin' heatsink is surrounded by THREE 120mm fans. This case would be awesome for an IFX-14 or Ultra 120 Xtreme, or even the HR-01 Plus running passive. The GPU runs very cool too, with the side fan blowing right across it. Note though, with tall coolers, you will NOT be able to install the top 120mm side fan as it'll hit your heatsink.

As I conclude this 5 minute writeup, I'd like to say that cooler master has done an astonishing job on this case and the quality is top notch for very little money. If anyone is looking for a case on a budget, or just a case with great airflow that keeps your PC quiet, this is it.

Watch out antec, this combines the cooling, features, and looks of the Antec 900, P182 and P190 into a smaller, lighter, cheaper package! Overall, this case is a great choice for the cooling junkie, the lan-partier, or someone set out to conquer the squad of dust bunny ninja's under his/her desk waiting for the right chance to get into their PC.

If you have any questions feel free to ask them. If you want a picture or closeup of something, I'll do that too. Just ask! :welcome:

[breakfromyou]

Nice writeup.

Airflow to the hard drives...good?

I want this case because it looks great, and it's very inexpensive. But if it barely blows any air over my hard drives, forget about it.

Point is...do you have a hot running hard drive? If so, how are your temps in this case?

I gave my sister a Centurion 5 and her HDD temps went from the mid 40's to the low 30's. Just from going with no fan up front to one with a fan. I have a hard drive that runs in the mid 40's with a 92mm fan blowing air over it...need more airflow. or a new hard drive...hmmm

[CyberDruid]

Nice looking case--that really pushes the buy button--I like the design on the top--I only wish they had made more space between the mobo and top for a rad inside..however an external top mounted one would be okay looking.

Thanks!

[NickS]

Nice writeup.

Airflow to the hard drives...good?

I want this case because it looks great, and it's very inexpensive. But if it barely blows any air over my hard drives, forget about it.

Point is...do you have a hot running hard drive? If so, how are your temps in this case?

I gave my sister a Centurion 5 and her HDD temps went from the mid 40's to the low 30's. Just from going with no fan up front to one with a fan. I have a hard drive that runs in the mid 40's with a 92mm fan blowing air over it...need more airflow. or a new hard drive...hmmm

Theres actually a surprising amount of air getting passed the HDD's with the stock fan! I wasn't expecting to feel any air going through but theres definitely a decent amount. I have three HDD's, the temps are..

Top (160GB WD1600JS 8MB Cache, 7200RPM): 36ºC
Mid (40GB Seagate Barracuda Cache, 7200.4): 34ºC
Bottom (320GB Seagate Barracuda7200.10): 35ºC

Pretty impressive for a sandwich of hard drives :)


Nice looking case--that really pushes the buy button--I like the design on the top--I only wish they had made more space between the mobo and top for a rad inside..however an external top mounted one would be okay looking.

Thanks!

Thanks man. You might actually be able to fit a rad but it'll be close. You'd have to drill some new fan mount holes probably because the fans are spaced so far apart. Really easy though.

[LuckyNV]

ETA 9-11 days before Ebuyer (UK etailer) receives stock, when its in, its mine! :D

Nice set of pics, i wonder how effective a fan blowing on the back cpu area would be. test please? ;)

[apexracing]

Nice review. This certainly doesn't look like a recipe for disaster, that case. Suddenly, the Antec 900 looks a bit damp, in comparison. :D

[GAR]

nice case, i was thinking of trading my armor in for this case, but i decided to hold off on it, went to my local FRY's and the plastic just feels too cheap for me, never the less the cooling on this case seems to be amazing, for $80 you cant go wrong.

[Jodiuh]

I did like those top USB ports. The power button's wack, but as long as you've got power on by keyboard/uguru clock, etc...it's all good. And for what...$50AR @ ZZF right now?! The only major mod I'd like to see on this case would be cutting out all the fan grills. They're too loud and restrictive IMO. Of course that may be dangerous depending on your living/LAN situation.

[NickS]

ETA 9-11 days before Ebuyer (UK etailer) receives stock, when its in, its mine! :D

Nice set of pics, i wonder how effective a fan blowing on the back cpu area would be. test please? ;)

Thanks man. As for the rear fan, I'm mot sure, I don't have a 80x15mm fan laying around. I also noticed that my mobo's backplate is almost flush with the fan spot, so it would probably restrict all or most airflow.


Nice review. This certainly doesn't look like a recipe for disaster, that case. Suddenly, the Antec 900 looks a bit damp, in comparison. :D

Thanks :) It's definitely not disastrous. ;). Comparing it to the Antec 900 is like apples and oranges though. The 900 is purely designed with gamers in mind. I find this case sleeker and more "elegant." There are rumors of cooler master making an optional windowed panel for the case, though. :eek:


nice case, i was thinking of trading my armor in for this case, but i decided to hold off on it, went to my local FRY's and the plastic just feels too cheap for me, never the less the cooling on this case seems to be amazing, for $80 you cant go wrong.

I agree, the plastic does take away from the quality feel slightly. Comparing it to Thermaltake shouldn't make it feel cheap though. I've had Thermaltake's "high end" cases before (namely the Xaser III V2000a) and it was flimsy! Comparing it to my Lian Li's in the past, it does feel a bit cheap but hey, it's not meant to compete with that class of case. That's what the Cosmos is for. It definitely has the best cooling out of any case I've owned so far, and I'm extremely happy with it.

[tonschk]

Watch out antec, this combines the cooling, features, and looks of the Antec 900, P182 and P190 into a smaller, lighter, cheaper package!

Excellent review NickS .the only problem is the way in which the hard disk drive Rack is turned , Blocking the AirFlow from the front intake Fan

[NickS]

Watch out antec, this combines the cooling, features, and looks of the Antec 900, P182 and P190 into a smaller, lighter, cheaper package!

Excellent review NickS .the only problem is the way in which the hard disk drive Rack is turned , Blocking the AirFlow from the front intake Fan

Thanks tonschk. The way the HDD's are is fine IMO, theres still quite a bit of airflow surprisingly. I love the way they mount too. It's unbelievably easy. :D

[Jodiuh]

^ very true. But the grill in front restricts SO MUCH airflow and makes an annoying grating noise too. I wish they were removable like the some of the Stacker's. W/ a little bit of effort, could be a great case. Tho, the quiet racks finally motivated me to finally deal w/ my stacker's 4in1 noise cage (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2412306&postcount=1254). Never knew raptors could be so tame. :D

Also, it's kinda small compared to what I've been using (810). Like the Antec 900, I think a full tower version would be killer. 2 rear 120's, 2 top 120's, 2 front 120's, 2 side 120's...oh my!?

[Start]

I want to see someone fit a 240 rad on top. It just is screaming for a rad right there. I would get this case just do water cooling ;). For around $50 After Rebate, this case really cannot be beat.

[breakfromyou]

I want to see someone fit a 240 rad on top. It just is screaming for a rad right there. I would get this case just do water cooling ;). For around $50 After Rebate, this case really cannot be beat.

haha yeah, definitely. for the price, if you go a little too crazy with a dremel, don't worry about it. get another one lol.

[ownage]

Stupid case. Most radiators won't fit when mounting it in the top of the case.
If the case was only 2cm higher this would be a really nice watercooling case.
:shakes: :down:

[Start]

Stupid case. Most radiators won't fit when mounting it in the top of the case.
If the case was only 2cm higher this would be a really nice watercooling case.
:shakes: :down:

Well I don't expect to fit a PA in there, but maybe a MCR in there. Can someone take a picture at an angle so I can see how much clearance I have to mount the rad.

[NickS]

In a little while I'll see if i can :)

[Start]

In a little while I'll see if i can :)

If you can mount some 120x120x25mm fans as well that would be nice :D

[EvlUndrWareNome]

i think i found my new case for phenom.

[vaio]

Nice......runs off to check U.K pricing :)

Edit: £59....not too bad.

[LuckyNV]

Nice......runs off to check U.K pricing :)

Edit: £59....not too bad.

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/131551 :up:

I'm getting it as soon as its in stock there :D

[mike8913]

How much clearance is there underneath the top bezel? I ask because I wonder if you could fit 2 fans on top between the case and the removal top instead of inside. If that were possible you mgiht even be able to pull off a PA120.2, which would be amazing

[CyberDruid]

That's a nice case--probably takes the top honors for best designed inexpensive case. Since you posted your review I have looked around and been able to find the case at really low prices. Might just have to get one to hack on.

Thanks

[Miwo]

Very nice review,

This might be my next case, as I was looking for something with lots of room for air cooling. The top exhausts will be perfect for making my room warmer in the wintertime too :p

[Fetou]

Friend wants to know if theres enough room to use the top case fans when you have a Thermalright ultra 120 extreme installed.

[NickS]

How much clearance is there underneath the top bezel? I ask because I wonder if you could fit 2 fans on top between the case and the removal top instead of inside. If that were possible you mgiht even be able to pull off a PA120.2, which would be amazing

I think that might be doable.

[Movieman]

Nice review Nick and a nice case..Good design.:up:

[mike8913]

I think that might be doable.

Nick, if you have the time and don't mind putting in the effort could you try and put the 2 120mm fans between the top and the bezel, just for reference? if it fights this will most likely be my next water cooling rig.

[NickS]

Nick, if you have the time and don't mind putting in the effort could you try and put the 2 120mm fans between the top and the bezel, just for reference? if it fights this will most likely be my next water cooling rig.

Bah, just tried, won't fit. Theres like a plastic shroud built in for the top 2 fans to guide airflow and that prevents it. I don't think its removable either. You could possibly gut it out and it might work, but it'd be close.

http://www.madshrimps.be/articles/CoolermasterCM-690ATXCaseReview-jmke-18986.jpg

You can see it there. If you ripped out that pattern plastic crap and the guide around it it'd be fine.

[Start]

So is there enough room to mount an MCR-220 below the fans or I won't have enough clearance?

[NickS]

I think it depends on your mobo. With my mobo it'd probably hit my RAM.

[Start]

I think it depends on your mobo. With my mobo it'd probably hit my RAM.

I plan on putting the fan between the bezel (plastic shroud) and then mounting my radiator where you are suppose to mount the 120mm fans. I'm just not sure if I have enough clearance for the 120mm fan between the shroud.

[mike8913]

could repost that picture or e-mail it to me. I'm quite curious about it. mk8913@aol.com

[NickS]

I plan on putting the fan between the bezel (plastic shroud) and then mounting my radiator where you are suppose to mount the 120mm fans. I'm just not sure if I have enough clearance for the 120mm fan between the shroud.

I don't think it will fit, I tried.. still not enough room. The plastic design built in blocks it from going up flush with the metal mesh. If you removed the plastic waves it might.


could repost that picture or e-mail it to me. I'm quite curious about it. mk8913@aol.com

http://upload.nickfire.com//files/13/CoolermasterCM-690ATXCaseReview-jmke-18986.jpg

[Start]

I don't think it will fit, I tried.. still not enough room. The plastic design built in blocks it from going up flush with the metal mesh. If you removed the plastic waves it might.





Looks like I'm going have to cut the wave off to get this thing to work, such a shame it would have been the perfect case for watercooling.

Here is another picture courtesy of Hi-Tech reviews.

[aznsniper911]

Nice review, just what I was looking for! Does the buttons feel cheapish and do you think they will last?

[Jodiuh]

If you mean the power button, it's in a horrible spot. How's lower right corner and it pushes @ an angle sound, lol? There's an equally lame reset switch as well. As long as you've got a board that can turn on via usb/ps2 or the uguru clock, it's a non issue tho. Now the top USB/Firewire/Audio/eSata jacks rock.

[NickS]

If you mean the power button, it's in a horrible spot. How's lower right corner and it pushes @ an angle sound, lol? There's an equally lame reset switch as well. As long as you've got a board that can turn on via usb/ps2 or the uguru clock, it's a non issue tho. Now the top USB/Firewire/Audio/eSata jacks rock.

LOL. I love them. My PC sits on my desk to the left of me so they rock :D

[DTU_XaVier]

Makes me want a new case :p:
My Antec Plusview needs to retire, it's getting outdated, being 80mm fans all-around, except the rear exhaust fan...
And at sub-100$ it seems nice :)
Can you measure if an 8800GTX could fit in there? :D

Best Regards :toast:

[Jodiuh]

It does w/ an HR-03 and 120mm. Stays pretty damn cool if you use the side fan too.

[NickS]

Makes me want a new case :p:
My Antec Plusview needs to retire, it's getting outdated, being 80mm fans all-around, except the rear exhaust fan...
And at sub-100$ it seems nice :)
Can you measure if an 8800GTX could fit in there? :D

Best Regards :toast:

8800GTX's fit great, even two. Coolermaster says the case is even "SLI Certified" lol

[o2bme]

I am thinking about dremel'ing the grid off the fan mesh on one of mine, The plastic waves part I was considering removing every other one. Thoughts?

[Jodiuh]

DO IT! While you're at dremel the rest of those forsaken grills. I'd be willing to bet you not only lose noise, but also about 5-7C on your HDD's...hell, even your case will get some goodness.

Grills = the devil...air filters and cleaners are for dust control :D

[Start]

Bleh, stupid CM couldn't allow you to fit the 120mm between the molding. Doing some measurement, if CM added another 20mm to the molding, this case would be perfect for water cooling.

[o2bme]

Not to hijaak NickS, just thought you the perfect people to ask on this,

My galaxy, temporary solution, does not fit quite right it stradles the two vents on the bottom. Do I run it upside down even with the risk of venting into the case?

http://www.taylormail.com/imagehost/Picture%20146.jpg

http://www.taylormail.com/imagehost/Picture%20147.jpg


EDIT: NEVER mind! Suppose its too late to hide the post - The big fan is the intake. Still hard to fit in the case, but I love these 690's

[Jodiuh]

Just hope nothing falls in the open grill now. :D I like fans w/ 80's, preferably 2 for bottom mounts. This way there's no restriction for airflow and I don't risk facing a big hole up...ocz powerstream 520 was easily my favorite psu.

[DTU_XaVier]

Hmm... looking closer at your pics, it seems that all the fan-slots are capable of supporting even 92 and 80mm fans... Could you check to see if that's right for me? I've got 3 80mm fans I could use in the empty top-slots, so I wouldn't need to buy too many new 120mm :)

Best Regards :toast:

[NickS]

Hmm... looking closer at your pics, it seems that all the fan-slots are capable of supporting even 92 and 80mm fans... Could you check to see if that's right for me? I've got 3 80mm fans I could use in the empty top-slots, so I wouldn't need to buy too many new 120mm :)

Best Regards :toast:

Yup they do

[Jodiuh]

Hehe, how about 140's? I know at least the top 2 and side 2 support 120 or 140's.

[DTU_XaVier]

Yup they do
Thanks a bunch :up:
Too bad the case isn't even available here in Denmark yet... I really want one :p:

[gok1025]

IMO, this case looks like crap compared to the 900. Ok airflow and everything, but lame external design. Unlike most of you guys I enjoy stylish cases. :cool:

[NickS]

IMO, this case looks like crap compared to the 900. Ok airflow and everything, but lame external design. Unlike most of you guys I enjoy stylish cases. :cool:
To each his own :) I for one find it very appealing.

[gok1025]

I respect that :D, nice review btw.

[Start]

IMO, this case looks like crap compared to the 900. Ok airflow and everything, but lame external design. Unlike most of you guys I enjoy stylish cases. :cool:

In my humble opinion, I think the 900 looks like crap compared to this one. But that is just my opinion ;)

[LuckyNV]

Externally is all matter to opinion, certainly the CM690 isn't hideous, however internally the CM690 is quite superior, the case is also cheaper :p

[DTU_XaVier]

IMO, this case looks like crap compared to the 900. Ok airflow and everything, but lame external design. Unlike most of you guys I enjoy stylish cases. :cool:
I like the look of the 900 as well, but this one would definitly be more at home in the home of an adult ;)
And I think it's actually very good-looking...

Best Regards :toast:

[NickS]

I like the look of the 900 as well, but this one would definitly be more at home in the home of an adult ;)
And I think it's actually very good-looking...

Best Regards :toast:

I beg to differ, I'm 15 and I like it! Though I do plan to purchase the optional side panel with a window that is rumored to be released by CM soon

[DTU_XaVier]

I beg to differ, I'm 15 and I like it! Though I do plan to purchase the optional side panel with a window that is rumored to be released by CM soon
I wasn't picking on the CM690, rather the 900... The 900 is much more a "youthful" case, whereas the 690 is much more versatile, style-wise :)
I like the external design of the 900, but I must admit this is much more clean and stylish (I'm 19 btw, so I'm no adult either ;) ), and internal is no competition... I've worked with the 900, it's a PITA, as afireinside can no doubt tell you :p: ... This looks so much easier...
I must admit, with all the cable-management options, fan-slots and the clean insides in general, I'd love a windowed version :D

[EDIT] LOL, just found the CM690 on a danish website... I don't know about the others, but this one calls it the "Dominator", which explains why I didn't find anything when searching for CM690...
Dominator... Sounds pretty self-confident if that's an officiel name :D
Also, it's what probably corresponds to 80$ after toll, tax etc... 625.- DKK at current, which is about 110$ when you simply convert it, but you can't simply compare the prices directly...
The website lists it as arriving on October 26th... That's a long time from now :(

Best Regards :toast:

[bauer]

Very nice case

Simple and clean

[Larry]

Anyone now when these will be out in the uk i need to retire my old case

[LuckyNV]

Scan.co.uk stock it

[Emerica]

Nice case and extremely nice write up Nick!

[Jodiuh]

They're both a PITA cause they're small. But if I had to pick, CM690 no question.

[Asmodeus]

I already bought one and I'm going to mod it for watercooling. I'll take pictures and do a write up as I go along. Nothing fancy. Just want to show that it can be done in this case.

[phelan1777]

This screams MOD ME............and I am getting one and my Dremel will have some fun.

I can see using say just CPU water cooling for like a mad cruncher and desktop user.



:rofl: My gf just asked me if it comes in different colors...........and she isn't into PCs like we are hehehehe


So I could get this for her, paint it after modding it, set it up for watercooling (I will make it work and look decent AND have it crunching when she isn't using it.)


I already bought one and I'm going to mod it for watercooling. I'll take pictures and do a write up as I go along. Nothing fancy. Just want to show that it can be done in this case.
Welcome to XS and NICE first post, great spirit, can't wait to see it done.

[Start]

This screams MOD ME............and I am getting one and my Dremel will have some fun.

I can see using say just CPU water cooling for like a mad cruncher and desktop user.



:rofl: My gf just asked me if it comes in different colors...........and she isn't into PCs like we are hehehehe


So I could get this for her, paint it after modding it, set it up for watercooling (I will make it work and look decent AND have it crunching when she isn't using it.)


Welcome to XS and NICE first post, great spirit, can't wait to see it done.

You can fit a double rad just fine, but there is still issue with the gap between the chassis and the top molding, you just can't fit a 25mm thick fan between there, I'm still contemplating what to do. Wire management is decent, but could be better.

[o2bme]

I am thinking more along the line of cutting out the top mesh and placing the rad right on top of the plastic grill. This way the fans on top of case would push up w/ the gap being a sort of built in shroud. Drill a couple of hole right behind the top usb/audio/... ports and it could feed directly into the case.

[dekruyter]

My 3rd (1st economy) build this year; w/ the IP35-E. :rofl: :ROTF: :clap:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1402/1455806136_e2ab1fb9de_o.jpg

[NickS]

Nice looking build, dekruyter!

[dekruyter]

Thanks; a freezer pro 7 is on it's way; I took that Zalman off another rig, never wanting to re-use it again; and now I remember why; it's too loud and does not cool as good at 10 other units out right now.

[LuckyNV]

Recently the front intake has bothered me, I have 4 drives, 1 raptor, two 500GB and 1 320GB that may get replaced by another 500GB, but it looks like the fan can only cool the middle 3 drives?

Or does the airflow blow through the underneath of the top most drive and also blow over the top of the bottom most drive?

I hope to get mine this Friday :D

if anyone can supply me with some basic temps of their drives (pref 4 or more), room temp and what front fan, would appreciate it, cheers

[LuckyNV]

If anyone was curious, I have the case now, with some no-name fan at the front on 5V (almost no air movement), my 4 drives are under 40C, RT is 24C.

I think its the drawer mounting, lots of room for what little airflow there is.

I'm thinking of removing the grilling for the front and top exhausts.

[NickS]

Recently the front intake has bothered me, I have 4 drives, 1 raptor, two 500GB and 1 320GB that may get replaced by another 500GB, but it looks like the fan can only cool the middle 3 drives?

Or does the airflow blow through the underneath of the top most drive and also blow over the top of the bottom most drive?

I hope to get mine this Friday :D

if anyone can supply me with some basic temps of their drives (pref 4 or more), room temp and what front fan, would appreciate it, cheers

I dunno, I have a drive in the top most spot and it's just as cool as the rest of my drives :)

[LuckyNV]

Yea, my raptor is in the top most bay, and its the coolest one out of the 4 apparently

[ownage]

I finally found a pic with a radiator+fans installed in this case. If you asked me this case is just stupidly build. This case would be much beter with only 1 inch more space for the radiator in the top.

http://www.hardware.info/images/usersys/large/001627-1.jpg

[NickS]

Hm, it doesn't fit too badly at all though.

[911us]

very nice review !..
I like this case,it 's rock solid and easy modding,drilling...

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t313/phumnguyen/Comp/IMG_1253.jpg

[LuckyNV]

wow.... do you have a gallery or pictures showing the stages?

very nice :up:

[daedra1]

very nice review !..
I like this case,it 's rock solid and easy modding,drilling...

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t313/phumnguyen/Comp/IMG_1253.jpg

Fantastic work! Very impressive.

[m3ta1head]

I took the liberty of making the innards look pretty.

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1139/cm690001ox2.jpg
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6356/cm690010fn6.jpg
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/594/cm690002zu0.jpg
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8207/cm690006uj9.jpg
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/897/cm690001qn2.jpg
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1756/cm690011vw4.jpg
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/140/cm690006rh8.jpg
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/9042/cm690004fu5.jpg
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9103/cm690009tv6.jpg
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6500/cm690008oe9.jpg

[LuckyNV]

fs, that is the 2nd time I've seen a corsair psu have the main ATX cable routed round the back, i'm quite certain my right panel wouldn't fit back on :mad:

[m3ta1head]

fs, that is the 2nd time I've seen a corsair psu have the main ATX cable routed round the back, i'm quite certain my right panel wouldn't fit back on :mad:

Oh it'll fit, you just have to muscle it on there. It might take 2 people to do it.

[daedra1]

Oh it'll fit, you just have to muscle it on there. It might take 2 people to do it.

Hey man I was wondering, did you have to buy an extensions or was all the cables that came with the case/power supply/motheboard long enough? I also have a 690 but I am holding off until the next gen nvidia cards are released before I build, but this is definitely the kind of wire routing I am wanting for my system.

[LuckyNV]

depends on your PSU and motherboard, I need about 2 more inches for my EPS 8pin cable to fit, but some motherboards i'd have no trouble.

[Start]

very nice review !..
I like this case,it 's rock solid and easy modding,drilling...


More elegant than my solution :D

[Miwo]

Thanks for the review NickS. It caused me to impulse buy the CM690, which is not something I do often :o. All the cases I have owned are bang/buck oriented, so this case is very attractive if that is also your criteria. I finally got around to swapping my system to the CM690 (have had it over a month now) and I am extremely impressed at the features this has along with its pricepoint.

My early impressions:
- You simply won't find a cheaper case with this many options for air cooling. 140mm support makes it even more attractive
- Extremely happy with 140mm Yate Loons on a fan controller. At 5V they are barely audible and still keep the system cool. When enjoying music, I turn off every fan except for the dual top 140mms @ 5V :)
- With a Thermalright HR-03 & Tower Style cooler, you could orient all fans / heatsinks pointing to the top of the case. Might be an interesting test, vs the traditional top rear exaust
- Plastic PCI bracket clips actually work well, but I would still use screws for transporting. My previous Centurion 531 clips were completely useless in comparison
- 5.25 drive clips work well and also give you the option of using screws for a more traditional mount (Centurion 531 clips were fixed and did not work well with my Sunbeam controller)
- 3.5in HD rails seem to cut down on vibration and noise, but you may have to flip your drive backwards if it uses a standard 4pin molex. I could not fit a standard molex in the back because the metal frame support was too close. Flipping the drive upside down solved this issue for me though
- Cable Management is certainly welcome and better than nothing. First sub $100 case I have owned with options for it. The hole right next to the PSU is perfect for running the 20/24pin cable to the opposite side of the case

All in all, well worth it IMO. Fitting 140mm Yate Loons makes it an ideal setup for a 24/7 Quiet Air system

[wyemarn]

I just moved my rig from a modded TT Soprano to CM 690. I was expecting at least 5C temp drop and quiet dissapointed with the thermal performance. My CPU temp went up a few degs on idle and load. System temp remained the same. I fitted 120 fans below, 140mm fans on the side on top of video card and 3x 120mm exhaust fans. Noise level went up because more fans compared to my old Soprano. I guess the fan grills are the culprit. What do you guys think?

[daedra1]

Yes, I had to change the side panel fans from intake to exhaust. I got a strange hum when they were intake, I tried rubber washers but they really didn't work very well. I changed the top fans to intake to compensate. I can't confirm the temps because I just have fans installed at this point, but yes changing the fans on the side panel from intake to exhaust made a noticeable difference on the noise level.

[m3ta1head]

Hey man I was wondering, did you have to buy an extensions or was all the cables that came with the case/power supply/motheboard long enough? I also have a 690 but I am holding off until the next gen nvidia cards are released before I build, but this is definitely the kind of wire routing I am wanting for my system.

No extensions, just using the stock cables on the power supply. If you find the 8pin 12v connector just barely not reaching, try clipping the stock zip tie off of the bundle of power connectors-it will give you an extra inch or two of reach.

[Rilla927]

This case has a lot of nice qualities. If they made this case in a full tower that would be killer.

[serious1]

Does anyone know if the side panel window from a Cooler Master Centurion 5 case would be able to fit on the 690? It would be nice for me to recycle the side panels from my old case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119077).

[tonschk]

IMO, this case looks like crap compared to the 900. Ok airflow and everything, but lame external design. Unlike most of you guys I enjoy stylish cases. :cool:


You think the ANTEC 900 with the ugly tilted roof :down: ,Ugly lateral window:down: ,without cable management and a big ugly wire nest of cables:shakes: inside is a STYLISH case?????? , In my opinion the ANTEC 900 is a crap case

[smsmasters]

A case is only as good as its user. A crap case = crap user.

[DTU_XaVier]

Got mine as well, loving its ease of use over my old Antec...
But I'm getting that "grating" noise as well with the side-fan on intake at anything above 5v (using an old-school Fan-mate)... Is this a general problem, or are we just unlucky?
Using 5v removes it mostly though...

Best regards :toast:

[daedra1]

Got mine as well, loving its ease of use over my old Antec...
But I'm getting that "grating" noise as well with the side-fan on intake at anything above 5v (using an old-school Fan-mate)... Is this a general problem, or are we just unlucky?
Using 5v removes it mostly though...

Best regards :toast:

it seems to be a common problem. A lot of people have said the same thing over at the CM fourms. I was thinking of ordering some fan gaskets from jab-tech to see it that would help any. If anybody knows of a way to fix or at least make this better let us know.

[LuckyNV]

I've tried using silicon washers to add distance but it doesn't make a difference, I'm using a Yate Loon D12SL-12, anything higher than 5V makes an awful noise.

Looking at the side of my case I can see the grilling is actually concaved into the fan so I may try getting a hammer and stamping out the grill for more space between grill and fan motor

[NickS]

I wonder when CM is going to release the window side panel, I want it! :slobber:

[DTU_XaVier]

I wonder when CM is going to release the window side panel, I want it! :slobber:

You can buy the complete case w/ window here in Denmark... But no window stand-alone :(

Best Regards :toast:

[daedra1]

You can buy the complete case w/ window here in Denmark... But no window stand-alone :(

Best Regards :toast:

http://www.coolermaster.com/products/product.php?act=detail&tbcate=65&id=3168

I'm not sure if it is available for purchase yet, but CM has made a side panel with window.

[daedra1]

I've tried using silicon washers to add distance but it doesn't make a difference, I'm using a Yate Loon D12SL-12, anything higher than 5V makes an awful noise.

Looking at the side of my case I can see the grilling is actually concaved into the fan so I may try getting a hammer and stamping out the grill for more space between grill and fan motor

I also tried rubber washers with no luck. Let us know if the hammering works. I am going to try some silicon gaskets and washers, I don't know if it will make a difference but I will report back with my findings.

[NickS]

Hm strange, I don't notice this?

[AFG34]

can i use tape instead of zip ties for the cables? It doesn't conduct electricity so im assuming its fine.

[elgoog]

also getting the vibration noise on the side panel (140mm yate loon). seems to be causing the side panel (by far the worst part of this case) to resonate but i'm not sure

[NickS]

can i use tape instead of zip ties for the cables? It doesn't conduct electricity so im assuming its fine.

Yup


also getting the vibration noise on the side panel (140mm yate loon). seems to be causing the side panel (by far the worst part of this case) to resonate but i'm not sure

I installed a rubber grommet on my 120mm CM fan on the side and that really silenced it. No more wooshing air noise so I'm assuming it raised it off the side of the case enough to prevent that.

[daedra1]

Yup



I installed a rubber grommet on my 120mm CM fan on the side and that really silenced it. No more wooshing air noise so I'm assuming it raised it off the side of the case enough to prevent that.

Hey NickS, any chance of posting some shots, I would like to see that side panel and insides?

[elgoog]

I installed a rubber grommet on my 120mm CM fan on the side and that really silenced it. No more wooshing air noise so I'm assuming it raised it off the side of the case enough to prevent that.

I've got foam padding between the case and the fan, doesn't seem to make any difference though. Note it's a vibration noise, not a whooshing noise I'm getting. :\

[LuckyNV]

I have fan noise if using anything faster than 5V or ~600rpm

reason is my panel is concaved and my fan grilling is slightly concaved too, my upcoming solution is to hammer or stamp out the grilling slightly by a few mm that should do it.

[aoch88]

Anyone knows if the IFX-14 can fit into the CM690? The back extended heatsink especially.

[CrayS-per4m]

I have this case as well and with a Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme, and you can definetly still fit two fans on the top , but i find it pointless because that would just take air away from my fan on my Ultra 120. But i love this case and it's always so cool my temps are always sub 20C.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/_4u2nV_/DSC_0159.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/_4u2nV_/DSC_0296.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/_4u2nV_/DSC_0157.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/_4u2nV_/DSC_0133.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/_4u2nV_/DSC_0123-1.jpg

[aoch88]

I have this case as well and with a Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme, and you can definetly still fit two fans on the top , but i find it pointless because that would just take air away from my fan on my Ultra 120. But i love this case and it's always so cool my temps are always sub 20C.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/_4u2nV_/DSC_0159.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/_4u2nV_/DSC_0296.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/_4u2nV_/DSC_0157.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/_4u2nV_/DSC_0133.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/_4u2nV_/DSC_0123-1.jpg

Nice. I have GeminII currently and I placed 2 x Cooler Master stock fans on the top. I wonder if it helps a lot sucking those air out.

[TinyRK]

Here is my new rig. The Antec is too long, so I couldn't use the cable-hole... :down:

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/5399/img0893yz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The fans on the GeminII are ArcticCooling 12025 PWM which can be daisy chained, so both of 'em can be used and controlled by the 4pin-PWM-MoBo-connector. :clap:

[CrayS-per4m]

^^^ wow what is that over your CPU and ram??

[TinyRK]

^^^ wow what is that over your CPU and ram??

A Coolermaster GeminII.
The cooler was free after rebate... :up:

[Underwater Mike]

^^^ wow what is that over your CPU and ram??

That is one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103026&Tpk=gemini%2bcooler

[g1raffe]

Anyone here done a turn the HDD cage 90 degrees mod yet?

I have seen it done on another forum, it worked quite well, I'll try find the link soon.

[CrayS-per4m]

Anyone here done a turn the HDD cage 90 degrees mod yet?

I have seen it done on another forum, it worked quite well, I'll try find the link soon.

no i've never seen it done, what benefit is there to doing that?

[g1raffe]

no i've never seen it done, what benefit is there to doing that?
The HDD cage doesn't block air flowing into the rest of the case, and the air from the front fan can cool the HDD's and still flow easily into the case.

[miptzi]

hell of a case
Mine will be here tomorrow.
some pics on the way!

[fragmasterMax]

I just moved my rig from a modded TT Soprano to CM 690. I was expecting at least 5C temp drop and quiet dissapointed with the thermal performance. My CPU temp went up a few degs on idle and load. System temp remained the same. I fitted 120 fans below, 140mm fans on the side on top of video card and 3x 120mm exhaust fans. Noise level went up because more fans compared to my old Soprano. I guess the fan grills are the culprit. What do you guys think?

It takes some work, dremeling through excess plastic and metal on this case, and replacing the stock fans (among other things) to really see a temp difference with this case. (remove the top plastic grilling and put the top fans so they act as exausts over your hot cpu.) Still a beutiful awesome case that's ripe for mods, i'll upload a few pics in a day or two when the epoxy on my pump dries (long story)

[fragmasterMax]

Anyone here done a turn the HDD cage 90 degrees mod yet?

I have seen it done on another forum, it worked quite well, I'll try find the link soon.

I have thought about doing it. ( i have this rivet gun that i have never worked up the guts to use). I decided not to since it would give me less room to work, and might cramp my video card, a year or two down the line. (also, the fans i use are two thick to put up in the front part anyway. Despite that, i still have ten 120mm fans in the thing.